Introduction and Answer-First Summary
What is Hawaii Five-0? It is a long-running American police procedural television series that rebooted the 1968–1980 show Hawaii Five-O and aired on CBS from September 20, 2010, to April 3, 2020, spanning 10 seasons and 240 episodes. The series follows an elite Honolulu task force, led by Detective Steve McGarrett, as they investigate major crimes and threats to Hawaii, working closely with local law enforcement and federal partners. It blends episodic crime cases with serialized storylines and has become a definitive example of modern event television for global audiences.
Quick Reference Table: Core Show Facts
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Hawaii Five-0 | Official production title |
| Original Run | September 20, 2010 – April 3, 2020 | Network press materials, IMDb |
| Seasons | 10 | CBS/Production records |
| Episodes | 240 | Official episode guide |
| Setting | Honolulu, Hawaii | Production notes, location shooting |
| Lead Character | Detective Steve McGarrett | Cast listings, scripts |
| Original American Network | CBS | Network schedule archives |
| Developers | Peter M. Lenkov, Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci | Program credits, official announcements |
Show Premise and Format
Hawaii Five-0 is a reboot of the 1968–1980 series Hawaii Five-O, reimagining an elite Honolulu task force that operates with broad jurisdiction to tackle high-stakes crime. Each episode typically presents a self-contained case while advancing season-long arcs, including conspiracies, corruption, and terrorism affecting Hawaii and U.S. interests. The series balances standalone episodic mysteries with serialized storytelling, using Hawaii’s geography and multicultural society as integral backdrops. Law, order, and protecting local communities drive the procedural framework, with frequent collaboration among state, federal, and military partners.
Main Characters and Cast Overview
The ensemble cast anchors the series’ long-term appeal, with primary figures driving both episodic cases and overarching narratives. Viewers consistently engage with the evolving dynamics among law enforcement professionals and their allies. Notable actors and roles include:
- Steve McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin): Former Navy SEAL and task force leader, motivated by justice and personal loss.
- Danny Williams (Scott Caan): Cynical Honolulu detective with a sharp tongue and protective instincts.
- Chin Ho Kelly (Daniel Dae Kim): McGarrett’s trusted partner and former Honolulu PD detective, later joined by his cousin Kono Kalakaua (Grace Park) as a rookie officer.
- Lou Grover (Chi McBride): Stubborn yet skilled SWAT commander who becomes a central figure in later seasons.
- Dr. Max Bergman (Jade Payton): Medical examiner providing key forensic insights.
- Jerry Ortega (Jorge Garcia): Eccentric ally and former con artist who supplies unconventional assistance.
Production Background and Development
Developed by Peter M. Lenkov alongside Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, Hawaii Five-0 emerged from the success of genre revivals and nostalgia-driven reboots in the late 2000s. The series was produced by CBS Television Studios in association with Outerbanks Entertainment and Wonderland Sound and Vision. Filming predominantly took place on Oahu, leveraging local landscapes to authentically represent Hawaii, while some episodes filmed on neighboring islands. The creative team emphasized respectful representation of Hawaiian culture and environment, balancing entertainment value with regional authenticity.
Key Production Milestones
- Series Order and Premiere: CBS ordered the project in 2010, with the premiere drawing strong ratings.
- Longevity: Renewals extended the show through season 10, concluding in 2020.
- Crossovers: Multi-episode arcs linked Hawaii Five-0 with Magnum P.I. (2018 reboot), reinforcing the CBS reboot ecosystem.
- Spin-off Attempts: Various character-focused concepts were explored but did not move forward to series.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Hawaii Five-0 solidified the police procedural template in modern network television by integrating serialized storytelling into largely episodic structures. Its depiction of a multiracial, multicultural task force operating in a distinctive geographic setting resonated with audiences, while its long run allowed for deeper character evolution. The show influenced subsequent reboots and genre revivals, demonstrating audience appetite for updated versions of classic IPs. By foregrounding Hawaii as both a narrative character and scenic centerpiece, it highlighted the state’s global media visibility beyond tourism marketing.
Relationship to the Original Hawaii Five-O
Hawaii Five-0 is a reboot rather than a direct continuation of Hawaii Five-O, which aired from 1968 to 1980. The new series references the original through callbacks, character lineage (such as the legacy of Steve McGarrett’s father), and thematic echoes, but it operates with updated technology, contemporary policing frameworks, and modern storytelling tones. The retention of the original’s iconic logo and certain naming conventions pays homage while signaling a distinct creative vision tailored to 21st-century viewers.
International Versions and Global Reach
Beyond the U.S. series, Hawaii Five-0 concepts have been adapted in multiple markets, reflecting the format’s international appeal. Localized versions adopt the task-force model to fit regional crime landscapes and cultural contexts, demonstrating the show type’s flexibility. While details vary by region, these adaptations underscore the core idea of a specialized unit tackling complex threats with jurisdictional reach and public support.
Streaming, Syndication, and Home Media
The series has remained widely accessible through major streaming platforms and syndicated broadcasts, supporting consistent viewership after its linear run. Licensing agreements have made all 10 seasons available on services that emphasize procedural and crime dramas, ensuring new and returning audiences can engage with the full story arc. DVD and Blu-ray releases include extended features and behind-the-scenes content that further document production choices and cast reflections.
Conclusion
Hawaii Five-0 is a 10-season CBS police procedural reboot that modernized the 1968–1980 series while maintaining core themes of law, loyalty, and community protection. With 240 episodes, an internationally resonant format, and a culturally notable cast, it remains a touchstone of event television. Its factual record of production dates, episode count, and character arcs is well-documented across official and syndicated sources.